YET again Carlow played second best to college opposition.
It was the third year in a row that they have experienced that sinking feeling.
As soon as the after match pleasantries were completed the experienced Shane Kavanagh took the warm down.
It’s all about getting back on the horse now and the full back was no doubt giving the leg up as he pulled the players aside.
“In fairness, we can’t fault the effort. Everyone tried hard. UCD are a lot sharper and a lot fitter than we are at this stage which was obvious for everyone to see. That is what we are going to take out of it,” he said.
“We have a month to get that sharpness right and get everything up to scratch which we are well capable of,” pointed out Kavanagh.
Carlow debutant Marty Kavanagh had a mixed competitive senior debut. He missed two frees which he would confidently have expected to convert himself but with the help of his team-mates he turned it around and scored a point from play in the first half.
“The head did go down but the lads encouraged me to keep going. That built my confidence but the point from play, I was happy with that,” he said.
It was a dream come through for the young St Mullins lad to play against a number of players who have appeared in senior, minor and under-21 All-Ireland finals with their respective counties.
“It was great to play against them. You look at them on the telly and it is great to get out on to the same field as them. Of course, it was tough. It was the fastest pace I had ever played at and it was hard to get used to,” he confirmed.
There was also a family air to the occasion with Marty’s older brother lining out at midfield. “It is great to play with Jack and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. I will put in a big effort in the league and give the championship a lash,” he promised.